Tina left for work with Charles. She still could not talk about what happened last week. She was too ashamed. She talked to Jennifer about it during her sessions, but she just could not bring herself to discuss it with Bette. Bette had not told Tina what she said in her sleep. She could not talk about it either. She had failed her wife by not protecting her. Bette felt like she could not even face Tina.

Tina had been working hard all day on a project for the kids. She was just about finished when there was a knock at the door. Charles had stepped out to use the restroom and Tina was expecting Oscar so she opened the door. There stood Helena Peabody.

Tina backed up in a panic. Helena seeing this stepped forward worried for Tina. Tina whats wrong? Are you afraid of me? Helena asks. Tina could see tears form in Helenas eye. This shocked her more. Tina took a step towards Helena. No, no Helena I’m not. I’m ok. Tina said, but not very convincing.

Helena: Tina something is wrong I can tell.

Tina: I am sorry it is just that since I was.

Helena: Since what Darling? What happen? Tina you seem so frightened.

Tina: I was drugged and attacked Helena by the boy that was trying to kill Bette.

Helena took a step closer placing her hand on Tinas shoulder. Tina just fell apart crying. Helena embraced Tina trying to calm her.

Helena: Ssshh… Tina, everything will be just fine. Charles would never let this happen again. I Oh Darlin, you poor dear. I heard he had been drugged but not you. No one told me you were hurt. Is there anything I can do to help Tina?

Tina realizing she had allowed Helena to hold her slowly but nicely broke from their embrace.

Tina: I am fine really, I am. I was just expecting Oscar and it scared me. Not you just. I am sorry I did not mean you scared me. I am just still a bit jumpy.

Helena: Tina that is completely understandable. I can only imagine what you must have been going through. Oh, Tina I am so sorry. This just breaks my heart to see you so hurt. It makes me understand what a horrible person I was to you that night. Please forgive me. I have never acted that way before nor will I ever again. I promise you this.

Tina: It is ok. Really, I had forgiven you a long time ago. That day actually when you were here. It happened after you left that day.

Tina fell apart all over again. Charles was standing against the door and had been listening to everything Helena said. Hoping she would cut her own throat with what she said. However, if for one second he thought Tina was in danger he would help Helena out with the throat cutting part.

Tina cried her heart out even harder this time. She honestly did not think she had any more tears left to cry. Helena had helped Tina to the couch and just held her letting her cry it all out. Never once touching Tina inappropriately.

Tina: I am sorry. I messed you blouse up. (Sitting up)

Helena: Tina, it is ok. Really. As long as you feel better. Nothing else matters.

Tina looked up as she heard the door bust open and before she could say anything Bette had grabbed hold of Helena and dragged her over to the window. Opening the window Bette held Helena out of it.

Bette: IF YOU EVER COME NEAR MY WIFE AGAIN! I will throw you off this building.

Tina was pulling on Bettes arm trying to get her to bring Helena back in the window before she dropped her. Tina screamed for Charles. Bette had told him to stay out but when he saw his boss about to drop Helena Peabody out the window he ran in.

Grabbing Bette and Helena back in through the window he held onto Bette. She was swinging and trying to get away. ILL KILL YOU IF YOU EVER COME NEAR TINA AGAIN!!!! Do you hear me!! Bette screamed.

Tina was consoling Helena who was shaking to death from fear. Tina told Charles to hang on to Bette as she walked Helena out of her office to her limo.

Tina: Please Helena please. I’m begging you. Dont call the police. Bette has been under so much pressure since I was raped.

Helena: RAPED!!! Oh my god Tina no. You were raped. Oh god, honey. I am so sorry. Why didnt you tell me? No, I wont call the police. Just tell Bette I understand. I really do. I would have done the same thing if I were your wife.

Tina: Thank you Helena. Thank you so much. I really must get back inside to Bette.

Hugging each other good-bye, Helena held their embrace longer than she should have. However, Tina did not move to break away. Kissing Tina on her cheek, caressing the side of Tinas face with the back of her hand.

Helena: I’m sorry Tina. I wish I could have protected you. Charles better from now on if he knows whats good for him. Tina why dont you let me bring in another team to protect you?

Tina: No Helena. Charles is doing a great job. He was drugged to remember. There was nothing either of us could have done. It happened so fast. Thank you, but no. Your concern is deeply appreciated. I really need to get back inside though. Take care of yourself Helena.

Helena: You do the same Tina. Please. You mean a great deal to me and the children you are helping.

All ***** broke loose as soon as Tina walked back into her office. Bette had been pacing back and fourth furious that it was taking Tina so long. When Tina walked back in Bette let loose.

Bette: What the ***** do you think you were doing alone with her? Dont you know she could be the one that raped you!!!!

Tina: WHAT? What do you mean Bette? You said Whit caught the person that did this to me. What the ***** do you mean it could have been Helena? TELL ME!

Bette had let the cat out of the bag big time.

Bette: Tina I I couldnt tell you. I saw the look on your face when you thought it was over. You needed to feel safe and I couldnt take that from you. I didnt protect you the first time and its killing me. But when I saw how happy you were it just broke my heart.

Tina: So youve been letting me come and go thinking I had nothing to fear because he was dead. You think that kept me safe? You dont think as my wife you owed me the truth? ***** you Bette!!!!

Tina stormed out of her office. Bette just stood there. Go after her Charles and do not leave her side. Bette demanded.

Seeing Tina and Charles leave Joe went inside Tinas office.

Joe: Hey are you ok, B?

Bette: Yea I’m fine. Lets go home so Kit can get back to work.

Joe: So you never did get to give Tina the flowers did you?

Bette: No, I kinda showed my *****, almost dropped Helena out the window and Tina found out I lied to her. So Id say my little surprise with flowers sucked the big one. Wouldnt you.

Joe: Yea I think so. Come on boss. Lets get you home. I’m sure once she calms down everything will be ok. You know Charles will talk to her. You know he will.

Bette: I’m not so sure that anyone or anything would help right now Joe. Weve drifted so far apart since this last Since she was raped. God I cant believe how sick I feel just saying that.

The ride home for Charles and Tina was very uncomfortable for Charles. He knew why Bette had kept this secret. He really cared about these two and couldnt stand to see this happen. Not now.

Charles: Ms. Kennard my I ask you something?

Tina: NO!

Charles: NO?

Tina: Not if youre going to call me Ms. Kennard all of a sudden.

Charles: I’m sorry Tina. Its just that. Well Joe and I have grown very fond of you and Bette. Seeing how much you two love each other. Being apart of your family so to speak. Watching the babies grow up. I just cant sit back and keep my mouth shut.

Tina: Charles, you and Joe are very special to us too. What do you mean your mouth shut? Spit it out Charles. I think weve lived together these past few months for someone to be honest with me.

Charles: Fine. Tina God dammit. Bette loves you so much. Shes do anything for you. She didnt mean to lie to you. We all did. Its just that after she saw just an ounce of relief on your face when you thought the person was dead that raped That did this horrible thing to you. She just couldnt tell you. It was killing her inside that it happened. Killing her that she didnt protect you and killing her that she didnt tell you the truth. Tina youve been through so much. Have you stopped for one second to think how this has torn Bette apart? Honestly I dont know how she held it together.

Tina: Charles I… I didnt know. Youre right. Ive been so self absorbed with my own nightmares, shame and feeling of guilt that I

Charles: Tina you have nothing to feel ashamed of. If anyone does Well look at me. I let them take you.

Tina: Charles no… God please dont say that! It wasnt your fault. God have I been so consumed by this that I havent even seen everyone else carrying this burden for me. Its not Bettes fault. Its not your fault. Its. Its not my fault. It just happened and it was out of our control. I see that now.

Charles: Are you still mad at Bette?

Tina: I dont know Charles. It still hurts even though I know she did it because she loves me. Its just that we have a There was a… Something happened and some lies were told. She promised me it would never happen again.

Charles: Well then I better tell you something else to clear the air.

Tina: Theres more? Charles, please. What else hasnt she told me?

Charles: The night Whit caught the kid that shot her.

Tina: Yes. Go on.

Charles: Bette killed that kid.

Tina: WHAT?!

Charles: Whit and Bette set it up using Bette as bait to catch the person that did this to you. That shot Whit and almost killed Shane. They did it at the Gallery. She didnt tell us and made Joe stay away. Tina, Bette was going out of her mind after what happened to you. She didnt stop to think about anything else but protecting her family.

Tina: Charles what are you telling me? Was Bette hurt? How did she kill the boy?

Charles: He showed up that night with a knife. They fell to the floor and fault for the knife with the kid trying to kill Bette and Whit couldnt get off a clear shot without shooting Bette. Finally both bodies went still and Whit thought Bette was dead. But she wasnt the kid was stabbed and died after confessing everything. Everything except that he had never met you or raped you.

Tina: Oh my god my poor Bette. I cant believe she did this for me. But what if shed been killed Charles? What was she thinking? My god I could be a widow on top of everything else weve been through.

Charles: All she was thinking was that she wasnt there to protect you the first time and she had to protect you now no matter the cost. To protect her family Tina she put her life on the line for you. For love.

Tina: Charles please just get me home. I have to see Bette. I have to talk to her.

Charles: Were almost there Tina, but you left Bette back at your office remember.

Tina: Ive got to call her. Ive got to tell her to come home.

Bette cell phone went straight to voicemail. Tina hung up and began crying.

Charles: Whats wrong Tina?

Tina: It went to her voicemail. Shes not answering. I know she saw it was me. (Crying harder now)

Charles: Hey now. Calm down Tina. I can handle this for you. (dialing) Hey Tinker Bell, put Porter on. Porter. Yea hang on. Its for you Tina.

Tina: Bette oh god baby please forgive me. I am so sorry for what I said. Please come home. Please Bette I need you.

Bette: Tina, honey calm down. Were right behind you by just a few miles. Whats wrong baby? Why are you crying? Did something happen?

Tina: Yes!!! Charles told me everything. Please hurry home. Were pulling in now.

Bette: Ok baby. I’m coming home to you as fast as I can.

Tina didnt even go inside. She waited for the Hummer to pull up with Bette and ran to her. Jumping in Bettes arms and kissing her all over.

Tina: Oh Bette please forgive. I have been so I hadnt even stopped to think how this had affected you. Baby, please forgive me.

Bette: Under one condition.

Tina: Anything babe. Anything for you.

Bette: That you forgive me.

Tina just broke down crying. Bette I cant believe what you did for me. There is nothing to forgive you for. You risk your own life to protect me and our babies. Bette I am so sorry I wasnt there for you. I shut down again. I couldnt face you knowing I wasnt I didnt feel (crying too hard to finish)

Bette: Ssshh baby. Ssshh. Ive got you. Tina?

Tina: Yes baby what is it?

Bette: I need a favor.

Tina: Oh Bette anything baby anything. What is it?

Bette: I really, really love you, but I have really got to put you down.

Both started laughing as Bette lowered Tina to her feet. They walked hand in hand into the house.

Charles: You have got to be kidding me.

Joe: Leave me alone. I can cry if I want to. That was sweet.

Joe looked at Charles to see him wiping away a few tears trying to be all manly like he didnt tear up.

Charles: Come on kiddo. Weve got a family to take care of.

Joe: Geez I’m hungry. I wonder if Tina would let me cook tonight. (giggling)

Charles: Gawd, you giggle like a schoolgirl.

Joe: Yo Momma. Come on oleman. Lets go fix some dinner for these lovebirds.

Things settled down that night. Joe actually is a great cook Tina said. Bette and Tina went to bed early after getting the twins down and talked for hours. Once again knowing that their love would see them through this. No matter had bad it ever got and boy were they tired of the bad, the drama and the heartbreaks. Again they both mad promises. Again they promised never to break those promises. But sometimes promises have to be broken. Or do they?

Another month gone by and the twins were getting bigger. Shane was now out of her cast and healing well with physical therapy and Carmens help. Something was going on with Alice and Dana though. Drifting apart since Lara started working for Kit at the Planet. But thats another long story in itself. Alice never did find out where Dana was the night of Shanes wreck and Whits shooting. Well Dana said she was working out but Alice, the reporter didnt believe it.

Tinas still seeing Jennifer but could not seem to recover completely. She was still having horrible nightmares. So Bette suggested that maybe Tina go see someone else that might be able to hypnotize her. Maybe help her remember things. Maybe just maybe it could help her move on. At this point Tina thought anything is worth a try.

Tina set up an appointment with Foxworthy. Seems he does that too. She couldnt decide whether she wanted Bette in there with her or not. Even though they promised to get through it together. When they got to Foxworthys Office Tina grabbed Bettes hand and wouldnt let go. So Bette went in with her. Tina became very frightened of being hypnotized alone with someone. Even Foxworthy. She trusted him but couldnt shake the monsters in her head that haunted her day and night.

Foxworthy had Tina lay down on his couch. Bette sat beside her. Mostly because her hand was attached to her body and Tina had that hand in a tight grip still.
Foxworthy started the process and once he knew Tina was ready he began to take her back in time to that morning in her office. He wanted to slowly bring her forward and then carefully bring her to the moment she remembers being attacked.

Once Tina was completely under she let go of Bettes hand. Bette remained seated beside Tina. Foxworthy warned her though not to speak. He ask Tina more questions and as he got closer to 5:00 when Tina said she was leaving with Charles Tina began to tighten her body. She recalled Helena and repeated how angry she was at her. This brought a smile to Bettes face.

As soon as Tina mentioned remembering Charles pulling the Hummer over Tina started screaming. Foxworthy calmed her down but continued when Bette nodded her head go on. Foxworthy took Tina through her rape somehow seeing it as if she were a spectator. She could described everything, but somehow not feel the pain as it happened, as she remembered.

Foxworthy had Tina described the person that did this to her. As she did Bette stopped crying. Bette had gone through this horrible nightmare with Tina as she relived ever detail. Only Bette felt ever blow of pain that Tina could not. Bette felt her heart ripped from her body as Tina told how she was raped and brutalized. Now Bette sat there listening to Tina in perfect detail describe who had done this to her.

Bette jumped to her feet. Rage filled her eyes that now look pure red. Her body showed the danger that awaited this person. Foxworthy saw this but could not stop Bette. He had to bring Tina out of this slowly. By the time he did Bette was gone.

It took Tina a moment to catch her bearings. When she did she saw that Bette was gone.

Tina: Oh God. Wheres Bette?! Dr. Foxworthy what did I say? What made Bette leave me alone?

Foxworthy: Tina I’m not sure, but the last thing you did was describe the person that raped you. She bolted out of here after that.

Tina made Foxworthy repeat what she said just before Bette left. He warned Tina that he saw a very dangerous look in Bettes eyes. If she knew who this person was, Tina needed to call the police before Bette got to them.

Tina ran out of the office to see Charles still sitting there. Wheres Bette? Tina asked running towards the elevator with Charles running behind her.

Charles: Whats wrong Tina? What happened? Bette flew out of here mad as *****. Joe said she took the Hummer before he could stop her. Hes down stairs waiting for us.

Tina: She knows Charles.

Charles: Knows what?

Tina: She knows who raped me. If we dont find Bette and stop her Charles. Shes going to kill her.